What Are Functional Lab Tests — And Do You Need Them?
If you’ve ever been told your blood tests are “normal” but still feel unwell, you’re not alone. Many patients come to us feeling frustrated, living with symptoms that standard tests fail to explain. This is where functional lab testing offers deeper insight.
Functional tests help uncover the root cause of symptoms by assessing how your body is functioning, not just screening for disease.
How is Functional Testing Different from NHS Blood Tests?
Traditional tests often measure basic markers to check for disease. Functional testing, on the other hand, looks at:
✅ How well your gut is digesting and absorbing nutrients
✅ Hormone production and metabolism
✅ Adrenal stress response (cortisol patterns)
✅ Nutrient deficiencies at a cellular level
✅ Toxin or heavy metal exposure
These tests help us build a clear picture of what’s driving your symptoms — guiding a truly personalised treatment plan.
Sources:
Institute for Functional Medicine: https://www.ifm.org/
British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT): https://bant.org.uk/
What Can Functional Tests Detect?
Comprehensive Stool Analysis
Reveals gut infections, bacterial imbalance, yeast overgrowth, inflammation, and digestion issues that contribute to IBS, bloating, or fatigue.Hormone Panels
Measures oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, and cortisol patterns — helpful for fatigue, perimenopause, PMS, and stress-related issues.Nutrient & Micronutrient Testing
Detects deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fatty acids essential for energy, mood, immunity, and skin health.Thyroid and Autoimmune Panels
Goes beyond basic TSH testing to explore thyroid antibodies and active thyroid hormones (T3/T4).Toxin & Heavy Metal Screens
Assesses exposure to mercury, lead, mould, or environmental toxins impacting immune or neurological health.
Who Should Consider Functional Testing?
If you experience:
✔ Ongoing fatigue or brain fog
✔ Persistent digestive issues
✔ Hormonal symptoms like PMS, heavy periods, or perimenopause problems
✔ Unexplained skin conditions or allergies
✔ Difficulty losing weight or stubborn metabolic issues
Functional testing could reveal what’s being missed.
Reference: Cleveland Clinic – Functional Medicine Testing Overview: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22384-functional-medicine
Is Functional Testing Worth It?
While functional tests are not typically available on the NHS, many patients find they finally get answers — and results — after years of chasing symptoms. The investment provides clarity and helps avoid trial-and-error approaches.
Your Next Step: Personalised Testing at Healixa Health
At Healixa Health, we use functional testing where clinically appropriate — never as a blanket approach — to ensure the best value and relevance for your care.